see for yourself...

9.11. It would be hard (and, I think, disrespectful) to write today without bringing up the significance of today's date. While I didn't know anyone directly impacted by the events of that day, I am thankful to all of those who helped support one another and bring our country together a decade ago. I can tell you exactly where I was when the Twin Towers went down: at home and in bed, unable to start my freshman year of high school because Mounds View was still under construction. Mom woke me up and we watched the TV coverage all morning together; I'll never forget it. Here's to ten more years of United We Stand. 

this was taken by Michael Cuddyer at Yankee Stadium

On a lighter note, I biked through "Ye Ol' Scottish Village of Argyle" today, population (I kid you not) "about 89 good people plus 15 cows" according to the hand-painted sign I passed. I discovered that if you head in the opposite direction of downtown Rockford, you hit farmland within a mile or two. I cut through Rock Cut State Park, crossed over I-90, and it was there that I found the rolling hills I had been searching for that made for the perfect bike route. Little towns like Argyle, barely any traffic, and perfect 70 degree September temps made for beautiful rides yesterday and today. Ironically, guess who sponsored that road that took me through Argyle and multitudes of corn fields... Give up? Rockford Yacht Club. Go figure. 

my new fav bike route. (ye old Argyle is in the NE corner)

So (as usual) my weekend has revolved around sports and food. I've gotten through two rides in preparation for next weekend's pre-birthday sprint triathlon with Linds in Devil's Lake State Park, just north of Madison. And I've thrown together some pretty tasty meals-- partly because it gives me something to do, but mostly to help quell the late-night Dairy Queen cravings I seem to get quite often when Dairy Queen is just down the street. (I gave into a Waffle Bowl Sundae the other night, though. I had a coupon!) I ventured out to a gigantic apple orchard yesterday, and was inspired to come home and make caramel apple scones. Roasted red pepper and pesto pasta followed that up, as well as one (and by one I mean six) of the delicious brownies Grandma dropped off for me on Friday. Just in case you don't believe me, here is photographic evidence:

caramel apple scones-- out of a box, but still awfully tasty

roasted red pepper and pesto pasta with corn, fresh basil and scallions--my own recipe. delish.

Stepping back for a second, I created this blog one month ago today when I first arrived here, with the intention of keeping my family and maybe even some of my friends up to speed with my life in Illinois. But as it turns out, my blog is heading towards 1000 hits in those four short weeks, so I have to say-- thanks for reading! But, I realize there's a chance that some of you might be getting sick of reading, reading, reading. So, to address that, and because I've probably moved in as much as I plan to (I'm only here for 5 more weeks, after all), I thought you might like to enjoy watching and listening to something for a change. I filmed a short tour of my place (before Grandma and Grandpa arrived to take me out to brunch this morning :), so sit back, relax, and enjoy... 

P.S. GO VIKES